There’s an old saying, “It takes money to make money,” that has particular relevance for Florida’s real estate professionals. When buyers have a difficult time obtaining financing, it becomes harder to complete transactions. That’s why the subprime loan problems, national credit crunch and other financial issues have had such an impact on Florida’s real estate market.

Also in this issue...Big Idea$ for Itty-Bitty Budget$ A single Web site is not a differentiator anymore. Ask yourself: How many Web sites do you have, and how are you using the latest Web technologies to brand your business online?

Get Smart Before You Start Like many Florida real estate professionals, Jim Mitchem is making a transition from residential to commercial sales. He’s taken training classes, he’s picked a market niche, and he’s handing out plenty of business cards.Your Web Site ... Only Better For many brokers and sales associates, the idea of rebuilding and updating a Web site is about as entertaining as watching monthly sales falling.

Take Your Blog from Blah to Brilliant As the broker of a small boutique company in Deerfield Beach that competes with large real estate franchises, Joe Hillner is always hunting for innovative marketing ideas.

How to Make a Comeback With a spouse-business partner in Iraq and a family to feed, this salesperson needed to restructure her business quickly. Here’s how she came back from adversity once her business partner returned.

2008 Real Estate Solutions Guide

Full of articles, solutions and products intended to help you soar to new heights of success and professionalism, the 2008 Real Estate Solutions Guide is available here to browse online or in PDF format so you can print and go.

What's happening in your market? Have you seen an influx in international buyers? Has the revitalization of your city's downtown boosted the market? We want to know. E-mail the editor at FLRealtor@far.org or fax us at 407.438.1411, Attn. Florida Realtor magazine editor.